Antimicrobial Activity, in silico Molecular Docking, ADMET and DFT Analysis of Secondary Metabolites from Roots of Three Ethiopian Medicinal Plants.

BACKGROUND: Uvaria scheffleri (Annonaceae), Clematis burgensis (Ranunculaceae), and Euphorbia schimperiana (Euphorbiaceae) are medicinal plants traditionally used to treat cough, tuberculosis, asthma, sore throat and skin infections. METHODS: Silica gel column chromatographic separation was used to isolate compounds. Crude extract and isolated compounds were evaluated for antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans via the broth dilution method. Docking studies were performed with E. coli DNA-Gyrase B and human DNA topoisomerase IIα by using AutoDock Vina. ADMET were predicted by SwissADME, PreADMET, and OSIRIS Property predictions. The optimized structures and molecular electrostatic potential surface of the isolated compounds were predicted by DFT analysis using B3LYP/6-31G basis levels. RESULTS: Silica gel column chromatographic separation afforded five compounds 1-5 of which N-methyl-2,3-bis(2-hydroxybenzyl)-1Н-indol (1) is reported herein for the first time, along with known C-benzylated dihydrochalcone uvaretin (2), bis(2-ethylheptyl) phthalate (3), lupeol (4) and suberosin derivative (5). Dichloromethane roots extract of U. scheffleri showed potent antibacterial activity against S. aureus (MIC = 6.25 µg/mL) compared to gentamicin (MIC=5 µg/mL). In silico, molecular docking analysis of compounds (1and 3-5) showed strong interaction with E. coli DNA gyrase B with a binding energy value ranging from -6.9 to -6.0 kcal/mol compared to ciprofloxacin -7.2 kcal/mol, whereas analysis against human topoisomerase IIα showed binding energy value ranging from -5.9 to -5.3 kcal/mol compared to vosaroxin (-6.2 kcal/mol). CONCLUSION: The results obtained suggest that N-methyl-2,3-bis(2-hydroxybenzyl)-1Н-indol (1) and coumarin (5) are potential topoisomerase II α inhibitors and might be used as anticancer agents. The ADMET studies showed the highest drug-likeness properties for studied compounds other than bis(2-ethylheptyl) phthalate (3). DFT calculations suggested that studied compounds showed the lowest gap energy and were chemically reactive, and isolated compounds may serve as potential drug candidates that corroborate with the traditional uses of studied plants.

About the relevance of anion-π interactions in water.

Anion-π interactions are emerging as exotic features with potential applications in chemistry. In the last years, their relevance in living systems has been outlined, and so far there is no concluding significant evidence recognized about the participation of anion-π interactions in water because anion-π sensors contain large aromatic hydrophobic surfaces with limited solubility. By transforming a neutral heterocycle (for example quinoline) into its corresponding salt (quinolinium), we have been able to overcome these solubility issues, and new cationic water-soluble fluorophores have been prepared. Herein, we used N-alkylated heterocycles as π-acidic surfaces to shed light on the nature of anion-π in water by the direct measurement of the fluorescence and UV/Vis spectra in combination with DFT and X-ray analyses.

Repositioning of leishmanicidal [1,2,3]Triazolo[1,5-a]pyridinium salts for Chagas disease treatment: Trypanosoma cruzi cell death involving mitochondrial membrane depolarisation and Fe-SOD inhibition.

Trypanosomatidae is a family of unicellular parasites belonging to the phylum Euglenozoa, which are causative agents in high impact human diseases such as Leishmaniasis, Chagas disease and African sleeping sickness. The impact on human health and local economies, together with a lack of satisfactory chemotherapeutic treatments and effective vaccines, justifies stringent research efforts to search for new disease therapies. Here, we present in vitro trypanocidal activity data and mode of action data, repositioning leishmanicidal [1,2,3]Triazolo[1,5-a]pyridinium salts against Trypanosoma cruzi, the aetiological agent of Chagas disease. This disease is one of the most neglected tropical diseases and is a major public health issue in Central and South America. The disease affects approximately 6-7 million people and is widespread due to increased migratory movements. We screened a suite of leishmanicidal [1,2,3]Triazolo[1,5-a]pyridinium salt compounds, of which compounds 13, 20 and 21 were identified as trypanocidal drugs. These compounds caused cell death in a mitochondrion-dependent manner through a bioenergetic collapse. Moreover, compounds 13 and 20 showed a remarkable inhibition of iron superoxide dismutase activity of T. cruzi, a key enzyme in the protection from the damage produced by oxidative stress.

Novel [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]pyridine derivatives are trypanocidal by sterol biosynthesis pathway alteration.

Aim: To study a new series of [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-α]pyridine derivatives as trypanocidal agents because current antichagasic pharmacologic therapy is only partially effective. Materials & methods: The effect of the series upon Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes and murine macrophages viability, cell cycle, cell death and on the metabolites of the sterol biosynthesis pathway was measured; also, docking in 14α-demethylase was analyzed. Results: Compound 16 inhibits 14α-demethylase producing an imbalance in the cholesterol/ergosterol synthesis pathway, as suggested by a metabolic control and theoretical docking analysis. Consequently, it prevented cell proliferation, stopping the cellular cycle at the G2/M phase, inducing cell death. Conclusion: Although the exact cell death mechanism remained elusive, this series can be used for the further rational design of novel antiparasitic molecules.

Empirical modeling of material composition and size in MOFs prepared with ligand mixtures.

Systematic analyses of the composition and size of metal-organic frameworks built with Zn4O and terephthalic/amino-terephthalic acid mixtures, together with a kinetic assay, reveal how these ligands behave differently, which reveals the complexity of crystal growth in these frameworks and the ability to tune it on purpose.

Optimization of MgF2-deposition temperature for far UV Al mirrors.

Progress towards far UV (FUV) coatings with enhanced reflectance is invaluable for future space missions, such as LUVOIR. This research starts with the procedure developed to enhance MgF2-protected Al reflectance through depositing MgF2 on a heated aluminized substrate [Quijada et al., Proc. SPIE 8450, 84502H (2012)] and it establishes the optimum deposition temperature of the MgF2 protective film for Al mirrors with a reflectance as high as ~90% at 121.6 nm. Al films were deposited at room temperature and protected with a MgF2 film deposited at various temperatures ranging from room temperature to 350°C. It has been found that mirror reflectance in the short FUV range continuously increases with MgF2 deposition temperature up to 250°C, whereas reflectance decreases at temperatures of 300°C and up. The short-FUV reflectance of mirrors deposited at 250°C only slightly decreased over time by less than 1%, compared to a larger decay for standard coatings prepared at room temperature. Al mirrors protected with MgF2 deposited at room temperature that were later annealed displayed a similar reflectance enhancement that mirrors protected at high temperatures. MgF2 and Al roughness as well as MgF2 density were analyzed by x-ray grazing incidence reflectometry. A noticeable reduction in both Al and MgF2 roughness, as well as an increase of MgF2 density, were measured for films deposited at high temperatures. On the other hand, it was found a strong correlation between the protective-layer deposition temperature (or post-deposition annealing temperature) and the pinhole open area in Al films, which could be prevented with a somewhat thicker Al film.

Straight Access to Indoles from Anilines and Ethylene Glycol by Heterogeneous Acceptorless Dehydrogenative Condensation.

The development of original strategies for the preparation of indole derivatives is a major goal in drug design. Herein, we report the first straight access to indoles from anilines and ethylene glycol by heterogeneous catalysis, based on an acceptorless dehydrogenative condensation, under noninert conditions. In order to achieve high selectivity, a combination of Pt/Al2O3 and ZnO have been found to slowly dehydrogenate ethylene glycol generating, after condensation with the amine and tautomeric equilibrium, the corresponding pyrrole-ring unsubstituted indoles.

Synthesis, Optical Properties, and DNA Interaction of New Diquats Based on Triazolopyridines and Triazoloquinolines.

New diquat derivatives based on [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]pyridine and [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]quinoline have been synthesized in excellent yields. To evaluate the effect of the alkyl bridge length, ethane and propane dibromo alkane substrates were used for their synthesis. Theoretical calculations predicted a very small energetic barrier between the two possible enantiomers P (Ra ) and M (Sa ), which makes them very difficult to resolve. Thermal denaturation studies, UV/Visible spectroscopy, and fluorescence titrations with ct-DNA evidenced the intercalation of the quinoline derivatives in DNA.

Evaluation of the Novel Antichagasic Activity of [1,2,3]Triazolo[1,5-a]pyridine Derivatives.

BACKGROUND: Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative agent of Chagas disease. This parasite is vulnerable to the effects of ROS as its main defense mechanism against exogenous agents trypanothione is also another weakness of the parasite that investigated related to the inhibition of enzymes belonging P450 system, mainly CYP51. In our group we have synthesized a series of triazoles known as [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]pyridyl ketones, and pyridyl ketones. These families have shown interesting structural features due to the presence of electron withdrawing moieties attached to the main heterocycle (triazoles and/or pyridines) and are proposed as potential target in the parasite, by the presence of the carbonyl group being able to be reduced and form a free radical that could interact with molecular oxygen generating ROS in the parasite. Furthermore, the triazole ring and pyridines have been considered as potent inhibitors of sterol biosynthesis, the lock being part CYP51. RESULT: Our results showed that the series is capable of generating a stable radical species and generate ROS in the parasite. On the other hand these molecules are potent inhibitors of enzymes belonging to the complex P450. We have focused on the inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis demonstrating that triazole/ pyridine families are able to affect this pathway being observed the accumulation of squalene and lanosterol.

Triazolopyridopyrimidines: an emerging family of effective DNA photocleavers. DNA binding. Antileishmanial activity.

Triazolopyridopyrimidines 3-phenyl-6,8-di(2-pyridyl)-[1,2,3]triazolo[5',1':6,1]pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine (1a), 6,8-di(pyridin-2-yl)-[1,2,3]triazolo[1',5':1,6]pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine (1b) and 3-methyl-6,8-di(2-pyridyl)-[1,2,3]triazolo[5',1':6,1]pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine (1c) were prepared and their electrochemical and luminescence properties were studied in depth. The DNA binding ability of this series of compounds has been investigated by means of UV-vis absorption and fluorescence titrations, steady-state emission quenching with ferrocyanide as well as viscosity measurements. Results have shown that triazolopyridopyrimidine 1a interacts strongly at DNA grooves. This compound also displays preferential binding to GC-rich sequences and the ability to photooxidize guanine. Moreover, these studies have revealed the key role of the phenyl substituent at the triazole ring in the binding affinity of 1a-c. Compounds 1b and 1c did not show appreciable propensity for DNA binding, however these triazolopyridopyrimidines demonstrated to present photoinduced DNA cleavage activity, 1b being more active than 1c. DNA photocleavage mediated by these compounds takes place mainly through single strand scission events and, in a minor extent, through double strand cuts. Mechanistic investigations using radical scavengers showed that both 1b and 1c generate reactive oxygen species (singlet oxygen, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals) upon irradiation. Both type I and type II mechanisms are involved in the photocleavage process. Furthermore, compounds 1a-c were tested for their antiprotozoal activity against four different Leishmania spp. (L. infantum, L. braziliensis, L. guyanensis and L. amazonensis). Triazolopyridopyrimidines 1a and 1c resulted to be more active and selective than the reference drug (miltefosine) in vitro against L. infantum amastigotes. Compound 1a exhibited high leishmanicidal activity against L. infantum spleen forms in the in vivo test.

Supramolecular assemblies of phenyl-pyridyl-triazolopyridine and ß-cyclodextrin as sensor of divalent cations in aqueous solution.

The chemosensor 3-phenyl-7-(pyrid-2-yl)-[1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]pyridine (PhPTP) used in combination with two different cyclodextrins, enable its solubilization and stabilization in aqueous solution. The behavior of the inclusion complex, and its binding ability in both cyclodextrins were investigated by means of absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The best results were obtained for PhPTP-DMßCD assembly, and its orientation in the DMßCD nano cavity was obtained by 2D-NMR. This inclusion geometry was confirmed by docking studies. The binary complex was proved as chemosensor upon the presence of different divalent cations in aqueous solutions. The PhPTP-DMßCD system, displays a high sensitivity for Fe(2+) by fluorescence quenching in neutral aqueous solution even in the presence of other metals showing high selectivity towards Fe(2+).

Triazolopyridyl ketones as a novel class of antileishmanial agents. DNA binding and BSA interaction.

A new series of triazolopyridyl pyridyl ketones has been synthetized by regioselective lithiation of the corresponding [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]pyridine at 7 position followed by reaction with different electrophiles. The in vitro antileishmanial activity of these compounds was evaluated against Leishmaniainfantum, Leishmaniabraziliensis, Leishmaniaguyanensis and Leishmaniaamazonensis. Compounds 6 and 7 were found to be the most active leishmanicidal agents. Both of them showed activities at micromolar concentration against cultured promastigotes of Leishmania spp. (IC50=99.8-26.8 µM), without cytotoxicity on J774 macrophage cells. These two compounds were also tested in vivo in a murine model of acute infection by L. infantum. The triazolopyridine derivative 6 was effective against both spleen and liver parasites forms, while 7 was inactive against liver parasites. Mechanistic aspects of the antileishmanial activity were investigated by means of DNA binding studies (UV-titration and viscosimetry). Results have revealed that these active ligands are able to interact strongly with DNA [Kb=1.14 × 10(5)M(-1) (6) and 3.26 × 10(5)M(-1) (7)]. Moreover, a DNA groove binding has been proposed for both 6 and 7. To provide more insight on the mode of action of compounds 6 and 7 under biological conditions, their interaction with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was monitored by fluorescence titrations and UV-visible spectroscopy. The quenching constants and binding parameters were determined. Triazolopyridine ketones 6 and 7 have exhibited significant affinity towards BSA [Kb=2.5 × 10(4)M(-1) (6) and 1.9 × 10(4)M(-1) (7)]. Finally, to identify the binding location of compounds 6 and 7 on the BSA, competitive binding experiments were carried out, using warfarin, a characteristic marker for site I, and ibuprofen as one for site II. Results derived from these studies have indicated that both compounds interact at BSA site I and, to a lesser extent, at site II.

Detecting Ni(II) in aqueous solution by 3-(2-pyridyl)-[1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]pyridine and dimethyl-ß-cyclodextrin.

A new supramolecular sensitizer for nickel(II) ion in aqueous solution based on a pyridyltriazolopyridine-cyclodextrin inclusion complex is proposed. The inclusion complexation behavior, characterization and binding ability of pyridyltriazolopyridine (PTP) with dimethyl-ß-cyclodextrin (DMßCD) has been investigated both in solution and solid state by means of absorption, fluorescence, (1)H NMR, DSC, and molecular modeling methods. The stoichiometry of the inclusion complex is 1:1, and the thermodynamic studies indicate that the inclusion of PTP is mainly an entropic driven process. The 2D NMR studies revealed that the pyridyl-triazolopyridine is included by both sides of cyclodextrin which are in good agreement with the docking results. The fluorescence changes upon addition of divalent cations to the inclusion complex indicate a high selectivity and sensitivity for Ni(2+) by fluorescence quenching in neutral aqueous solution.

An efficient one pot transfer hydrogenation and N-alkylation of quinolines with alcohols mediated by Pd/C/Zn.

A Pd/C/Zn mixture with alcohols has been revealed to be an efficient transfer hydrogenation system to quinolines. Furthermore, the metals mixture is able to activate alcohols as N-alkylating agents in a hydrogen autotransfer process. 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroquinolines and N-alkylated tetrahydroquinolines from quinolines have been obtained with excellent yields in one step.

Expanding the 3d-4f heterometallic chemistry of the (py)2CO and pyCOpyCOpy ligands: structural, magnetic and Mössbauer spectroscopic studies of two Fe(II)-Gd(III) complexes.

Complex [Fe(II)Gd(III){pyCO(OEt)pyCOH(OEt)py}(3)](ClO(4))(2) (1) crystallizes in the Cc space group and contains one hexacoordinate ferrous ion and one enneacoordinate Gd(III) ion. Complex [Fe(2)(II)Gd(III){pyCO(OEt)py}(4)(NO(3))(H(2)O)][Gd(NO(3))(5)](0.5)(ClO(4)) (2) crystallizes in the C2/c space group and contains two hexacoordinate ferrous ions and one octacoordinate Gd(III) ion. Both complexes have been prepared by the metal-assisted ethanolysis of ligands di-2,6-(2-pyridylcarbonyl)pyridine (pyCOpyCOpy, dpcp) and di-2-pyridyl ketone ((py)(2)CO, dpk), which exhibit similar structures. Mössbauer spectroscopic studies of 2 revealed the presence of two quadrupole-split doublets of equal intensities, each assigned to a ferrous site. These doublets exhibit similar isomer shifts (δ(1) = 1.14 mm s(-1), δ(2) = 1.11 mm s(-1)) but quite different quadrupole splittings (ΔE(Q1) = 3.55 mm s(-1), ΔE(Q2) = 2.74 mm s(-1)). Magnetic studies revealed weak ferromagnetic Fe(II)-Gd(III) interactions for both complexes (J(FeGd) = +0.68 cm(-1), D(Fe) = 12.0 cm(-1) for 1 and J(FeGd) = +0.03 cm(-1), J(FeFe) = -1.73 cm(-1) for 2, according to the -JS(i)S(j) spin-Hamiltonian formalism).

[1,2,3]Triazolo[1,5-a]pyridyl phosphines reflecting the influence of phosphorus lone pair orientation on spectroscopic properties.

A series of new triazolopyridine-based phosphines has been prepared. These compounds revealed unexpected spectroscopic patterns. In particular, the NMR spectra are highly dependent on the relative conformational preference of the phosphine substituent at C7. Here, we report on their complete NMR analysis, X-ray structures and DFT calculations that confirm the particular arrangement of the phosphorus lone pair orbital related to the substituent pattern of the chosen phosphine.

Isomorphous replacement of M(II) ions in M(II)-Gd(III) dimers (M(II) = Cu(II), Mn(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Zn(II)): magnetic studies of the products.

Complexes [M(II)Gd(III){pyCO(OEt)pyC(OH)(OEt)py}3](ClO4)2·EtOH [M(II) = Cu(II) (1), Mn(II) (2), Ni(II) (3), Co(II) (4) and Zn(II) (5)] crystallize in the monoclinic Cc space group and contain one hexacoordinate M(II) ion and one enneacoordinate Gd(III) ion, bridged by three {pyCO(OEt)pyC(OH)(OEt)py}⁻ ligands. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate a ferromagnetic interaction for 1 and antiferromagnetic interactions for 2-4. Using the H = -JS(Gd(III))S(M(II)) spin Hamiltonian formalism, fits to the magnetic susceptibility data yielded J values of +0.32 cm⁻¹ for 1, -1.7 cm⁻¹ for 2, and -0.22 cm⁻¹ for 3. In complex 4, the orbital contributions of Co(II) precluded the determination of the magnetic coupling. The complex follows the Curie-Weiss law with θ = -2.07 K (-1.44 cm⁻¹).

The [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]pyridine ring: a sensitive sensor for the electronic profile of phosphorus substituents.

The unique nature of the [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]pyridine reveals without any external perturbation the electronic contribution of various substituents to the phosphorus atom in phosphines, based on the equilibrium of two possible ring-chain isomers.

Ferromagnetic Cu(II)4, Co(II)4, and Ni(II)6 azido complexes derived from metal-assisted methanolysis of di-2,6-(2-pyridylcarbonyl)pyridine.

Reaction of copper(II) perchlorate with di-2,6-(2-pyridylcarbonyl)pyridine (pyCOpyCOpy, dpcp) in the presence of sodium azide yields complex [Cu(4)(N(3))(2){pyC(OMe)(O)pyC(OMe)(O)py}(2)(MeOH)(2)](ClO(4)) x 2 MeOH (1 x 2 MeOH), which crystallizes in the monoclinic P2(1)/c space group. Similar reaction of cobalt(II) nitrate yields complex [Co(4)(N(3))(2)(NO(3))(2){pyC(OMe)(O)pyC(OMe)(O)py}(2)] x 0.5 MeOH (2 x 0.5 MeOH) which crystallizes in the monoclinic I2/m space group. Reaction of nickel(II) perchlorate yields complex [Ni(6)(CO(3))(N(3))(6){pyCOpyC(O)(OMe)py}(3)(MeOH)(2)(H(2)O)][Ni(6)(CO(3))(N(3))(6){pyCOpyC(O)(OMe)py}(3) (MeOH)(3)](ClO(4))(2) x 1.8 MeOH (3 x 1.8 MeOH), which crystallizes in the triclinic P1 space group, as a mixed salt of two similar Ni(II)(6) cations, differing only in one terminally coordinated solvate molecule. The cation of 1 consists of four Cu(II) ions in a rhombic topology, while complex 2 consists of four Co(II) ions in a defective double cubane topology. Each of the two cations in 3 contains six Ni(II) ions in a cyclic topology, adopting a chair conformation. In 1 and 2 the ligand has undergone complete methanolysis and full deprotonation, yielding its dianionic bis-gem-diol form. In 3 it has undergone only partial methanolysis. All complexes exhibit ferromagnetic intramolecular interactions. Ferromagnetism in 1 is caused by the structural constraints imposed by the {pyC(OMe)(O)pyC(OMe)(O)py}(2-) ligand on the Cu(II) ions, while in the case of 2 and 3 it is the result of the combined effect of the end-on azido and alkoxo bridges of dpcp, which form M-N(azido)-M and M-O(alkoxo)-M angles between 90-105 degrees. The magnetic susceptibility data of 1 and 3 were analyzed with appropriate spin Hamiltonian models (H =- 2J(ij)S(i)S(j) formalism). For 1, a solution considering J = +26.8 cm(-1) along the periphery of the rhombus was found. In 3 it was found that alternating exchange couplings of J = +6.1 cm(-1) and J' = +27 cm(-1) were operative along the periphery of the ring.

Deprotonative magnesation and cadmation of [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]pyridines.

[1,2,3]Triazolo[1,5-a]pyridine and 3-substituted derivatives were regioselectively metalated at the 7 position using either Bu3MgLi or (TMP)3CdLi, the former at -10 degrees C and the latter at room temperature. The lithium arylmagnesates (R = H, Me, Ph) proved to react with iodine (34-75%) or 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde (32-51%). Attempts to obtain the cross-coupling products using 2-bromopyridine under palladium catalysis failed, a result attributed to the low stability of these compounds. The corresponding lithium arylzincates reacted in 17-60% yield under the same reaction conditions. The lithium arylcadmates were either trapped with iodine (38-76%, R = H, Me, Ph, CN, 2-thienyl) or involved in palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions with 2-bromopyridine (26-67%, R = H, Me, Ph). For R = 2-pyridyl, 3-(6-iodo-2-pyridyl)-[1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]pyridine was isolated in 73% yield. (TMP)3CdLi also proved suitable for the clean dideprotonation of two substrates (R = H, 2-thienyl), a result demonstrated by quenching with iodine (66-75%).